want to get a digital camera friday, would like advice

[apedroza]

Nikon and fuji both have nice macro settings. I use to own a fuji s3500 that had a 10X optical zoom and took great macro pictures.

[prof]

Check out the Panasonic DMC-TZ1. Good macro mode, easy to use, 10x optical zoom, Leica lens...

Not as small as the elphs but still pretty small. Fuji and Cannon were the others I looked at.

[brewercm]

If your main concern is macro shots I'd look into Nikon. Kind of odd saying that since I own three Canons, but I still think Nikon has the best macro capabilities out there for the fixed lens cameras.

[brewercm]

Also if you have time today and tonight run through these sites, they have some great info and reviews. I also like the first one because it gives you low price range from pricegrabber on the far right. For the best review on this site also click on the little boxed "R", that's the full review from the site owner. The other sites reviews are all from the sites owners, notice I didn't say professionals on any of these satements.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

[apedroza]

I think the s5100 have larger optical zooms (10X I think) I was mistaken the s3500 has 6X optical. The are kinda SLP shaped cameras but are point and shoot with Manual capabilities. I think the main differnce between my old s3500 and my nikon are the interchangeable lenses. The fuji was a great little camera with nice macro capabilities. I think Kodak has one also that has a really fast shutter speed. Hope this helps.

[brewercm]

Even with the point and shoot you can get what they call add on lenses with some models. Usually requires an adapter that goes over the existing lens and then you add on another lens for special effects like macros, wide angle, telephoto etc.
The s5200 that you are looking at does have the option of thread on 55mm conversion lenses for macros/wides/tele etc., just not sure of the prices for any of these. Looks like a good all around camera though.